Participation and Perception Towards Changing Farming Practices in Eastern India: A Study of Women Headed Households

Abstract

The study measures the participation and perception of rural women towards change in agricultural farming practices in changing climate context. Data were solicited from randomly selected 100 women headed households (WHHs) from Madhubani district of Bihar state. Survey of WHHs was undertaken using a basic set of mixed methods; combine a semi-structured schedule based survey with qualitative interviews and in-depth case studies. Study reveals that one-fourth of WHHs (25%) involved as an owner cultivator followed by agricultural labour and share cropper and owner cultivator. WHHs (91%) perceived that total number of crops grown in last decade had been reduced or stopped while other new crops were introduced as per suitability. Mostly WHHs (91%) perceived that total number of crops grown in last 10 years had been reduced or stopped while other crops were introduced. Mostly WHHs (96%) changed the agricultural crops with some alternate crops. Fertiliser use in agriculture also enhanced (86%). Majority of WHHs (80%) responded that seed rate of crops also altered. Change in labour use and machines in agriculture were also perceived. Therefore, the study recommends gendered approach having general and policy specific and technology-led actions for empowerment of WHHs.